Growth Predicted for Business Events

Australia is well placed to secure an even greater share of international business events, despite the highly-competitive nature of this market.

This has been one of the key outcomes of the 27th Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) Conference which has been held in Brisbane.

“While there are ongoing challenges, including greater scrutiny governments across Australia are facing over funding commitments to our industry, there is optimism that more large international business events will be held in Australia going forward,” said the AACB’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Hiebl.

“Despite being at a geographical disadvantage in comparison to destinations in Europe and North America, Australia’s offering remains a compelling one.”

The AACB is pleased the Federal Government, through the new Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon Keith Pitt MP, is continuing to support the business events industry.

“The business events sector is a major economic driver, not only for the visitor economy, but also in the generation of trade, investment and employment,” Assistant Minister Pitt said in his address to the conference.

“Business events are expected to be worth $16 billion to the Australian economy by 2020.

“Highlighting our ever-expanding infrastructure, our ‘smarts’ and our ability to connect international associations with the brightest minds in Australia are key to the success of the business events industry and work that delivers tangible benefits not only for our economy, but for knowledge and development across the world.”